Terry Oldfield’s Turning Point was inspired by the early voyagers who were ready and willing to leave everything familiar behind and sail through the oceans into the “great unknown”. Writing the music coincided with some major changes in Oldfield’s life. He had a dream a couple of years ago about being in an old library, and browsing through an old book. The words “turning point” jumped out at him, and he knew he had to make some major changes in his life. He moved his family from England to Australia, and also changed record labels. The songs reflect that transition, and also seem to be a tribute to the dreamers and risk-takers of the world. Most of Oldfield’s earlier recordings (at least the ones that I’m familiar with) were primarily instrumental in nature, but this album consists of six vocal tracks and one instrumental piece. I tend to prefer the instrumentals, but the variety of vocalists and their individual singing voices and styles is very interesting and evocative. Oldfield provides most of the instrumentation with his signature flutes and keyboards. Some of the vocals have kind of a folkie feel to them. The lyrics are simple and direct, and with guitar and flute in the background, there is an easy-going mood. This is especially true in “Bright Star”, which includes a charming children’s choir and sounds of the ocean. I also really like “Into the Blue”, which is darker and more complex, and the lyrics are haunting. “I’m taking the first ride out of my mind”, and “I’m lost but I don’t mind anymore” give you an idea of the searching and the emotional impact of the words. Matt Oldfield‘s vocals and guitar are strong and convincing, and Terry’s Irish low whistle and keyboards are atmospheric and powerful at the same time. “Lost For Words” is the lone instrumental on Turning Point, and is beautiful with alto flute, pan pipes, and keyboards. It is a “big” piece that would do well in a film soundtrack (something Oldfield has done a lot of!), but it also brings out visual images and lets you sail on your own imagination. “Some Kind of Miracle” is poetic, and Jenna Monroe’s vocals are warm and inviting. There are several instrumental interludes in this piece, making it leisurely and open. “Guardian Angel” has a lovely melody, but I have to admit that the words reminded me a little bit of a stalker who is at least sane enough to know he can’t control the person he is watching. Then I thought maybe it was a father watching his daughter and wanting to protect her, and that made it very pleasant to listen to. There is an mpeg video of “Guardian Angel” included in the CD that will play on Mac or PC. Turning Point is a very enjoyable and moving chronicle of a man’s spiritual and physical journey and the emotions that go with a major turning point in his life. It is available from terryoldfield.com, amazon.com, cdnow.com, and many other online and retail outlets.